There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen, and these Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings deliver just that with minimal effort. This recipe has become a go-to in my household for busy weeknights when we crave something sweet but don’t have the time for elaborate desserts. Using store-bought crescent roll dough and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make.
What makes this dish extra special is the combination of tart Granny Smith apples wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, all bathed in a buttery cinnamon caramel sauce. And here’s a fun twist—the secret ingredient is a splash of lemon-lime soda poured around the dumplings, which helps create a luscious sauce that’s perfect for spooning over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
I love how this recipe brings together convenience and flavor. It’s similar to my other one-pan desserts that save time without compromising on taste. If you’re a fan of easy, delicious treats, you’ll definitely want to add this to your dessert rotation. Trust me, once you serve these warm, gooey dumplings to your family or guests, they’ll be requesting them again and again!
Why You’ll Love These Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
- Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, these dumplings are a breeze to make.
- Warm and Cozy Flavor: The combination of tender apples, warm cinnamon, and buttery caramel sauce is comfort food at its finest.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, everyone will be asking for seconds.
- Kid-Friendly: Little hands can help roll the apples in the dough, making this a fun family activity.
- Versatile: Use whatever apples you have on hand, and feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Ingredients Notes
- Granny Smith Apples: These apples are tart, which balances the sweetness of the caramel sauce beautifully. However, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any firm apple that holds up well to baking.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Store-bought crescent roll dough saves time without compromising on flavor. If you prefer, you can use a puff pastry sheet instead.
- Lemon-Lime Soda: This might sound surprising, but the soda adds moisture and helps create a sweet, syrupy sauce while the dumplings bake. You can use any lemon-lime soda, like Sprite or 7-Up.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible caramel sauce. Unsalted is best, but if you use salted butter, reduce the pinch of kosher salt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13” x 9” baking dish with a bit of butter to prevent the dumplings from sticking.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the Granny Smith apples, then slice each apple into eighths. As you work, toss the apple slices with a bit of lemon juice to keep them from browning. This is optional but helps maintain a fresh appearance.
- Assemble the Dumplings:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles on a flat surface.
- Place one apple slice at the wide end of each triangle, then gently roll the dough around the apple, starting from the wide end and moving toward the narrow tip. This should form a snug little dumpling.
- Arrange all the dumplings in the prepared baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each.
- Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the 3/4 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat over medium, stirring until the butter is fully melted and the brown sugar dissolves, creating a smooth caramel sauce.
- Pour and Add Soda:
- Evenly pour the caramel sauce over the dumplings, making sure to coat them well.
- Carefully pour the 8 oz. lemon-lime soda around the edges of the baking dish, avoiding pouring directly over the dumplings. This ensures that the soda mixes with the caramel to create a luscious sauce while the dumplings bake up flaky.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: These dumplings are best served warm, straight from the oven. Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and drizzle with some of the extra caramel sauce from the pan. Watch as the ice cream melts into the warm dumplings—pure heaven!
Serving Suggestions
- On its Own: These dumplings are delicious by themselves, but the warm, gooey filling pairs wonderfully with the crisp exterior.
- With Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative with flavors like cinnamon, caramel swirl, or butter pecan.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, keep the dumplings in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm them in the microwave or oven to bring back that fresh-baked taste.
- Reheating: Reheat individual dumplings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or place the entire baking dish in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Variations
- Add Some Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dumplings before baking for a bit of crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or a pinch of cloves to the caramel sauce for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Swap the Soda: Try using ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda for a slightly different flavor profile. It still adds the same sweetness but with a touch of spice.
- Apple Variety: For a sweeter, softer filling, try using Fuji or Gala apples instead of Granny Smith.
